What is Rock climbing?
In rock climbing, people climb natural or man-made rock walls to reach new heights. For the most part, a planned route or the top of a formation is the objective. As a physically and mentally taxing sport, rock climbing frequently puts the climber’s strength, stamina, agility, and balance to the test. Climbing requires an understanding of basic techniques and the proper usage of climbing equipment to ensure safety.
Before the Covid-19 outbreak, tertiary students have recently taken an interest in the sport as we see student climbers hounding climbing gyms in Malaysia. But don’t worry, as vaccination is aggressively being rolled out by governments, the revival of sporting activities in the country. Plus, I’m sure you are itching to get sweaty from some physical activity by now. Let me assure you, rock climbing is something you might want to check out.
What is Bouldering?
Free climbing on small rock formations or constructed rock walls is known as bouldering. It is done without the assistance of ropes or harnesses. Despite that bouldering may be done without any equipment, most climbers utilise climbing shoes to secure footholds, chalk to keep their hands dry, and bouldering mats to protect climbers from injuries. It’s common for bouldering challenges to be less than 6 metres (20 ft.) tall, unlike free solo climbing, which is also practised without ropes. The climber must move horizontally from one end to the other in traverses, a type of boulder issue. Boulderers can practise their sport indoors, with no natural boulders, thanks to artificial climbing walls. Bouldering contests can be either indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather.
Benefits of Rock Climbing & Bouldering:
Strengthens and Extends Your Endurance
Climbing is a full-body workout, not simply an upper-body workout like most people think. Using your fingers, core, and arms to climb a rock is a great way to work out all three of these areas simultaneously. The muscles in your hands and forearms, as well as your biceps, shoulders and neck, will get stronger as you climb more frequently. And all of this can be achieved just by utilising your own weight and gravity.
Sharpen Problem Solving Skills
As you progress upward, you must choose where you can hang on and where you should proceed. It ensures that you have a solid foundation to build your ascent. Since not all climbs have perfectly straight paths, you’ll need to use your problem-solving skills to get through them. Bouldering essentially teaches you to climb small rocks and boulders without the use of a rope.
Boost Confidence and Maybe Overcoming Fears
I challenge you to name one person who, once reaching the peak, isn’t overjoyed. For rock climbers, the breathtaking views and awe-inspiring sense of accomplishment and joy are what keep them going. Your self-esteem is also boosted. As an added bonus, climbing is a terrific stress reliever, as you’ll be so absorbed in the activity that you won’t be able to think about anything else. It might serve as a method to overcome your fear of heights too!
Enhance Interpersonal and Leadership Skills
When it comes to climbing, even if the sport is all about the individual’s adventure, it requires a team to get the job done. With practice, you’ll be able to create trust with your climbing partner and others in your group. Climbing partners must establish trust in one other before becoming belayers or those in charge of keeping the climber safe if they fall. These qualities are critical to fostering a strong sense of community among other climbers.
Rock Climbing Attracting Many Students in Malaysia
Although there are some cost to rock climbing, there are increasing number of enthusiastic student climbers. Especially in the capital of Malaysia where they are options to rock climbing and bouldering facilities.
Don’t worry, there are a variety of climbing gyms that charges from RM3 to RM 40 per entry to get your workout in! Hence, it is affordable almost similar to a usual gym membership even for a student.
So, what are you waiting for? The best place to make new friends while getting yourself fit will be at a climbing gym. Go visit the nearest wall ASAP!
Check out more cool sport for students here!
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